ENGLAND rugby captain Mike Tindall played it true to form after marrying Zara Phillips - partying through the night.
The groggy groom finally emerged from the bash yesterday, still wearing his morning suit a day after he tied the knot with the Queen's granddaughter in Edinburgh.
He and Zara, 30, were joined by 400 guests as they knocked back vodka cocktails and bubbly on Saturday night.
But fun-loving Mike, 32, was believed to have carried on partying with pals after the disco ended, before meeting friends and family for an 8am breakfast at the hotel.
He was even seen carrying a bottle of champagne as he returned to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at about 12.30pm.
The wedding was the THIRD consecutive big night out for Mike and Zara.
On Thursday they partied away at a nightclub until 3am, then on Friday they sipped pink champagne with friends on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, now based at Leith.
On Saturday, Holyroodhouse - the Queen's Scottish home - had been turned into a temporary nightclub with flashing lights for the party, and the music could clearly be heard in nearby streets. Mike and showjumper Zara were joined on the dancefloor by fellow newlyweds Prince William and Kate, as well as Prince Harry, although the Queen, now 85, left early.
An insider revealed: "There was lots of booze on offer and guests were in a mood to party.
"The DJ and band kept saying, 'Make some noise' and guests responded with cheers.
"It wasn't your typical royal wedding reception. There was the rugby set and the horsey set. Both know how to enjoy themselves."
As the celebrations wound down Zara's dad, Captain Mark Phillips, was spotted snoozing in a chair at the Balmoral Hotel where he was staying.
Wedding guests included Prince Harry's TV presenter ex Natalie Pinkham, rugby aces Lawrence Dallaglio and Jonny Wilkinson, and England's 2003 World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward.
Pop star Una Healey attended with her boyfriend, England full-back Ben Foden, and said: "It was really something special. They are a wonderful couple."
Highlights included the best man's speech by former England ace Iain Balshaw. A guest revealed: "Iain's speech was very funny - he joked how Mike had moved up in the world since meeting Zara.
"He said, 'When I first met Mike he was driving a Ford Mondeo. He moved on to an Audi, then a Range Rover and finally a chauffeur-driven car'."
The punchline referred to Mike's three-year driving ban, and the guest added: "The car joke got the biggest laugh of the night, but Mike spoke for 20 minutes about his devotion to Zara and how much he loved her. He was gushing."
During the ceremony William and Harry gave a joint reading from moving kids' story The Velveteen Rabbit.
A guest said: "The message of the story was that if someone loves you, you somehow become more real. Zara and Mike were really touched."
Mike finally changed out of his wedding clobber yesterday afternoon before he and Zara left the palace.
But there will be no immediate honeymoon. Mike returns to training today as England prepare for September's World Cup, and horsewoman Zara will be back at work tomorrow.
By RHODRI PHILLIPS
A MERRY Zara remained the star of the show throughout the wedding reception - by repeatedly taking to the stage to sing along with the band.
The overjoyed royal kept guests entertained all night with her drink-fuelled antics.
A source said: "Zara was very tipsy. She repeatedly tried to grab the microphone from the band's singer to show off her vocal skills.
"She jumped on stage and joined in as if it was a karaoke bar. It was her day, her night and she wanted to be the star.
"It was hilarious. It was lovely to see her having such a great time." In case of rain, around 200 umbrellas were laid on for guests attending the marquee reception - leading to some horseplay from Mike Tindall's rugby pals.
The source added: "Some guests, particularly the rugby boys, grabbed the umbrellas and indulged in fake jousting.
"It got a bit out of hand at one stage but it was all good fun. There were also booths outside the marquee where couples went for a kiss and a cuddle. It was a riot."
By ARTHUR EDWARDS, Sun Royal Photographer
ZARA Phillip's wedding to Mike Tindall marks yet another huge success for the Royal Family this year.
The Queen famously dubbed 1992 a disastrous "annus horribilis". But 2011 has surely been a remarkable "annus mirabilis".
Zara had hoped her wedding would be a low-key affair. But not when your gran is the Queen and your mum the Princess Royal!
For after years struggling with their public image, the Royals are back on form as their popularity soars.
The highlight of their year has to be April's wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
One of the most special moments for me was watching the family gather as the couple kissed on the Buckingham Palace balcony, while I photographed from the forecourt. I felt so proud of our great Royal Family.
The Queen's tour of Ireland in May was another highlight, with massive historic significance. I'll never forget watching her lay a wreath in the Garden of Remembrance, which commemorates Irish freedom fighters.
She handled it with great dignity and respect.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's tour of North America was equally momentous.
I could see Prince William's devotion to his bride as they faced the vast and sometimes intimidating crowds together.
Meanwhile Kate's poise and grace reminded me of an assured, more mature Princess Diana.
The success of the Royal Family relies on public approval, and seeing those two together I am convinced the future is in safe hands.
We shouldn't forget Prince Philip. As he marked his 90th birthday in June, the nation reflected on what a brilliant consort for the Queen he has been.
As long as he is by her side, I think she will carry on with her public role, as she has for almost 60 years.
The 2012 Diamond Jubilee will once again focus the world's attention on the British Royal Family again.
There will be a huge flotilla on the Thames and a Buckingham Palace concert.
Personally I can't wait.
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